Commercial Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonus

Flexible and hybrid working

Company pension

Generous annual leave + bank holidays

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

William James Recruitment is assisting a leading Legal 500 regional law firm in recruiting an Education Solicitor for Leeds or Bradford. You will advise academies, schools and universities on a broad education law spectrum, developing sector expertise while supporting the Education Director and progressively managing your own caseload.

The role offers hybrid working, a collaborative environment and clear progression within a prestigious education practice.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with at least 2 years' PQE.
• Experience in education law or a Corporate, Commercial, Real Estate or Charity law background.
• Strong drafting and technical legal skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Confident managing client relationships and providing pragmatic legal advice.
• Commercially minded with a genuine interest in developing a specialist education practice.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build long-term client relationships.
• Enthusiastic about business development and contributing to the growth of the team.
• Ambitious, proactive and keen to develop within a highly regarded Legal 500 firm.

Responsibilities

• Advise schools and academies on academy conversions, trust transfers and governance matters.
• Support clients on education law matters including admissions, exclusions, safeguarding and SEN provision.
• Liaise with the Department for Education on funding agreements and regulatory matters.
• Draft and advise on articles of association, constitutional documents and governance procedures.
• Assist with commercial contracts including service level agreements and grant funding arrangements.
• Support the Education Director on complex matters while progressively leading your own caseload.
• Contribute to business development initiatives across the education sector, including independent schools, colleges and universities.
• Deliver practical, commercially focused advice within a collaborative and supportive team.

Skills

Drafting

Client relationships

Attention to detail

Commercial mindset

Education

Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years PQE

Job description

Education Solicitor - Leeds / Bradford

A leading Legal 500 regional law firm with a strong reputation in the education sector is looking for an Education Solicitor to join its growing team based in either Leeds or Bradford. You will work alongside a highly experienced Education Director, advising a diverse client base including academies, multi-academy trusts, independent schools, colleges and universities on a broad range of education law matters.

This Education Solicitor role in Leeds / Bradford offers the opportunity to develop genuine sector expertise within a highly regarded team. Whether you already specialise in education law or are an experienced Corporate, Commercial, Real Estate or Charity Solicitor looking to move into this niche area, you will receive excellent support while building a long-term career within a collaborative and forward-thinking firm.

The Role:

• Advise schools and academies on academy conversions, trust transfers and governance matters
• Support clients on education law matters including admissions, exclusions, safeguarding and SEN provision
• Liaise with the Department for Education on funding agreements and regulatory matters
• Draft and advise on articles of association, constitutional documents and governance procedures
• Assist with commercial contracts including service level agreements and grant funding arrangements
• Support the Education Director on complex matters while progressively leading your own caseload
• Contribute to business development initiatives across the education sector, including independent schools, colleges and universities
• Deliver practical, commercially focused advice within a collaborative and supportive team

The Candidate:

• Qualified Solicitor with at least 2 years' PQE
• Experience in education law or a Corporate, Commercial, Real Estate or Charity law background
• Strong drafting and technical legal skills with excellent attention to detail
• Confident managing client relationships and providing pragmatic legal advice
• Commercially minded with a genuine interest in developing a specialist education practice
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build long-term client relationships
• Enthusiastic about business development and contributing to the growth of the team
• Ambitious, proactive and keen to develop within a highly regarded Legal 500 firm

The Benefits and How to Apply:

• Competitive salary
• Performance-related bonus
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Company pension
• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays
• Clear progression and ongoing professional development
• Opportunity to build a specialist career within a leading education law team